Detroit's historic year: Top 5 moments in 2013 politics

DETROIT, MI -- It's hard to imagine another city where so many major, historic developments, both hopeful and depressing, are happening simultaneously.

It's been an extraordinary year for Detroit in many ways. Here are the top five political developments that took place in Detroit in 2013, followed by more lists reviewing the year in crime, entertainment, business and auto:

It looked like the last straw. Many called it a "no-brainer," and Mayor Dave Bing thought he had the votes in City Council to turn over control of Belle Isle to the state, which was promising improvements to the beloved island park while Detroit would save money saved. But emotion, suspicion and politics halted the deal.

The matter became a symbolic, key point for those who argued in favor of the state appointing a Detroit emergency manager -- who eventually took over and pushed the deal through to the make Belle Isle a state park.

The bankruptcy lawyer took over in March, just before a new law took effect and gave him sweeping powers over every inch of city government. It was later revealed that officials interviewed Orr and at least one other candidate for the job months before a state review team officially found the city to be in financially emergency. But courts have rejected challenges to the appointment and Orr maintains ultimate authority over the city -- and over the city's motions in bankruptcy court.

Some called it a forgone conclusion, because Orr was well-known bankruptcy lawyer. But the July 18 Chapter 9 filing came suddenly, stunning a city that had long been taking hits and stretching pennies to try and avoid bankruptcy. A judge later found the city eligible for bankruptcy and legally authorized to pursue pension cuts as it seeks to slash away at $18 billion in debt.

A federal judge in Detroit took his seat and announced that he was nervous about the October hearing in which he could have struck down Michigan's gay marriage ban or thrown out a challenge filed by a Hazel Park couple. After hearing elaborate arguments from both sides while scores of activists demonstrated outside, Judge Bernard Friedman said the court needed the case go to a full trial, which will take place in February.

He was thrown off the ballot, left the city for a vacation and came back to find supporters demanding he run a long-shot write-in campaign. He obliged and eventually won in a stunning victory that was historic -- but not, his campaign said, because of race.

He takes office Jan. 1 under limited power in the shadow of Orr, but with a special focus on fighting blight as a starting point for a historic turnaround.

Check out the photos above for more memorable 2013 moments in politics.